Trump urges fans to boycott NFL over anthem protests

US President Donald Trump on Sunday urged fans to boycott National Football League games to pressure the league to fire or suspend players who show disrespect for "Flag and Country."

Mr Trump's latest Twitter salvo was the latest blow in an escalating war of words with some of professional sports' biggest stars over his condemnation of NFL players protesting the national anthem.

"If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag and Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!" he said.

"NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S.," he added.

The row began on Friday at a Republican rally in Alabama when Mr Trump attacked activist National Football League players -- mostly African Americans -- as "sons of b-----s" for kneeling or sitting during renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

On the same day, basketball star Stephen Curry, the top player for California's Golden State Warriors, said he would not attend a traditional White House reception honoring the winning basketball team.

Several hours later, Mr Trump hit back with an early-morning Twitter rant.